Maori Cultural Experiences

On an evening tour from Christchurch you are treated to a truly memorable cultural performance with a traditional Maori Concert consisting of action songs, poi dances and hakas.

Take the opportunity to engage in an evening of local customs and learn about Maori culture and traditions, through a visit to the Nga Hau E Wha National Marae, to experience a cultural performance of Maori dance and song.

Your local guide will escort you on a cultural journey to the traditional "marae," a Maori village, the life force of New Zealand's indigenous people.

The cultural performance includes a variety of songs, dances, poi twirling and Haka. Poi are balls on long strings that you swing in rhythm and dance, traditionally a woman’s skill. And if you’ve ever seen a Maori Haka, it's a very effective way of frightening your enemies.

Following the performance, there is the opportunity to view New Zealand's native Kiwi in its natural habitat. Willowbank is the only privately owned reserve in the world where Kiwis can be viewed in the open.

Experience the turmoil Maori faced as they were forced to choose between the promise of the new ways and the significance of their ancient values in times of early European settlement.

"Ki mai koe ki a au, he aha te mea nui tenei ao: He tangata, he tangata, he tangata." "If you should ask me what is the greatest thing in the world, the answer would be: it is people, it is people, it is people."

Tamaki Heritage Village experience is set in the 1800s, and follows the re-enacted story of a rebel faction of musket wielding warriors wreaking havoc on their own people, a deeply traditional tribe at the Maori Village of Ihutai. Guests traverse 20 acres of land and 180 years of New Zealand history, where the Maori Village, the fortified Pa, and the Colonial Town all come to life.